Konsten att styra Generation ZEn kvalitativ studie om hur chefer anpassar formella ochinformella styrsystem i organisationer med betydande andelGeneration Z.

Sammanfattning

Abstract The art of managing Generation Z. A qualitative study about how managers adjust theirformal and informal controls in organisations with a substantial proportion of Generation ZGenerational differences impact how we interpret and understand today's society. Generation Z isoften the youngest generation entering many workplaces. Differences in characteristics, values andpreferences affect how effectively organizations can exercise management control. The study’s aim istherefore to develop an in-depth understanding of how management adjusts their managementcontrol systems when Generation Z starts to become a substantial part of the workforce. It is also toinvestigate how these adaptations affect the use of formal and informal controls in practice. To answerthe aim of the study a qualitative research design in the form of semi structured interviews withmanagers in different positions and in different branches is used. In total, 13 interviews on managersfrom both private and public organisations have been carried out. Results show that managersprimarily adjust their informal controls to Generation Z while formal control systems to a higherdegree are dependent on the organisation's overall contexts. The primary adjustments managers havemade for Generation Z has according to the interviews been how they communicate and givefeedback. Reward systems, which are a form of formal control, are most suited in private serviceorganisations like fast food restaurants, gym chains among others.The study contributes with a deeper understanding of how managers in organisations located inSweden adjust their formal and informal control systems toward Generation Z. Future research shouldaim to increase the generalizability by expanding geographical scope and examining managersadaptation over a longer period. Keywords: Generation Z, generational differences, formal control, informal control,reward system